It appears that China will serve as host to the next international
iteration of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

UFC officials recently announced that the Las Vegas-based
organization will begin holding tryouts next month for
featherweight, lightweight and welterweight fighters wishing to
participate in the latest version of the long-running reality show.
“TUF: China” hopefuls can try out for the show on one of three
dates: July 21 at Beijing’s Metropark Lido Hotel, July 25 at Marina
Bay Sands Singapore and Aug. 3 at the Venetian Macao.

All competitors must be at least 18 years old and have professional
experience verifiable through Sherdog.com or MixedMartialArts.com,
according to the official release. Fighters may not be
contractually obligated to another organization, unless they are
able to provide written proof of the contract’s termination. A
premiere date for the season was not mentioned, but the series will
air on Liaoning TV in China.

The UFC first dabbled in international “TUF” expansion during the
show’s ninth season, which featured teams from the United States
and the United Kingdom going head-to-head. Since that time, the
organization has launched three international iterations of the
show, two of which took place in Brazil. Two more series are
currently forthcoming, as the U.S.-based “TUF 18” will debut in
September, while a series pitting Canada against Australia is
planned for next year.